Currently, the 2026 spring ecological water replenishment work is in full swing. The total planned replenishment volume for this spring is 1.18 billion cubic meters, covering over 30 rivers across three major basins: the Yongding River, the Chaobai River, and the North Canal. The replenishment will continue until the flood season. This spring’s ecological water replenishment also marks the first large-scale water exchange for inner-city rivers, lakes, and key parks.

According to the unified deployment, the 2026 spring water replenishment implements precise, basin-specific scheduling. Before the flood season, the water levels of the Guanting and Miyun reservoirs will be precisely lowered below their flood control limits. “Ecological water replenishment creates the necessary reservoir capacity for safe flood passage while maximizing the retention of water for ecological use, achieving ‘dual use of water and multiple benefits from a single reservoir.'”

Currently, the three major basins are undergoing coordinated replenishment. The Yongding River Basin plans a replenishment of 750 million cubic meters, with the outflow from Guanting Reservoir maintained at 50 to 70 cubic meters per second to ensure full connectivity downstream. The Chaobai River Basin plans a replenishment of 210 million cubic meters, with multi-line coordination to maintain stable water sources for reservoirs like Tangzhishan. The North Canal Basin plans a replenishment of 190 million cubic meters, with the Municipal Administrative Center expected to receive 30 million cubic meters of fresh water, of which 13 million cubic meters has already been supplied.

Long-duration, high-flow water conveyance ensures maintained river lengths with water and sufficient flow duration in the three basins. This promotes the continuous recovery of groundwater levels along the routes, revitalizes a number of historically and culturally significant springs, refills the “underground reservoirs,” and nourishes over 30 river sections and more than 20 wetland parks.

“In the past, water transfers mainly aimed to ‘put water in the rivers.’ Now, the goal is also to enable citizens to ‘enjoy and get close to the water.'” This spring’s replenishment places greater emphasis on enhancing the landscape and recreational functions of waterfront spaces. The outflow from reservoirs like Guanting and Miyun has been coordinated and increased to supply high-quality fresh water specifically to parks such as Yuyuantan, Taoranting, and Longtan, as well as core urban waterways. The total expected water exchange volume is approximately 3 million cubic meters, marking the first systematic water exchange for inner-city rivers, lakes, and certain parks. Through “diverting water into parks and creating living water circulation,” water conditions can be effectively improved. The once “visible” lake water is now also “clear and beautiful.”

Through the replenishment scheduling, key sections of rivers like the Yongding and Chaobai will form continuous water surface landscape corridors, providing stable, clean water sources to support biological communities including aquatic plants, fish, amphibians, and migratory birds within the basins. In areas like inner-city waterways, rippling water effects will create an inviting waterfront atmosphere, allowing citizens to genuinely feel “water by their side, scenery before their eyes” while walking, cycling, or resting. This transforms “beautiful rivers and lakes” into “happy rivers and lakes” right at citizens’ doorsteps.

During the spring replenishment period, river currents are swift, and water levels in inner-city lakes change frequently. The public is reminded: Please do not enter replenishment areas for playing, swimming, or fishing, and pay special attention to the safety of children and the elderly. Relevant units along the routes should strengthen patrols and warnings to jointly build a strong safety defense line.

Guanting Reservoir

Guanting Reservoir is a large artificial lake located northwest of Beijing, constructed in the 1950s primarily to provide flood control and water supply for the capital. Historically, it was one of Beijing’s main drinking water sources, but severe pollution in the late 20th century led to its discontinuation for this purpose. Today, it remains an important ecological area and a site for water management and local tourism.

Miyun Reservoir

The Miyun Reservoir is a large artificial lake located in northeastern Beijing, China, constructed primarily between 1958 and 1960. It was

Guanting Reservoir

Guanting Reservoir, located northwest of Beijing, is one of the major water supply sources for China’s capital. It was constructed in the 1950s as part of key water conservation projects following the founding of the People’s Republic of China, primarily to control flooding from the Yongding River and provide irrigation. Over time, it has also become a notable ecological area, though it has faced challenges with water pollution and sedimentation.

Miyun Reservoir

Miyun Reservoir is a large artificial lake located in northeastern Beijing, China, constructed primarily between 1958 and 1960. It was created by damming the Chao and Bai rivers to provide drinking water and flood control for the capital city. Today, it serves as a crucial part of Beijing’s water supply system and the surrounding area is a protected ecological zone.

Yongding River

The Yongding River is a major waterway in northern China, historically known as the “Wuding River” (Unfixed River) for its frequent, devastating floods. To control it, the Ming and Qing dynasties reinforced its banks, leading to its current name meaning “Eternally Stable River.” Today, it flows through Beijing and Tianjin, serving as a vital ecological corridor and water source for the region.

Chaobai River

The Chaobai River is a major river in northern China, formed by the confluence of the Chao and Bai rivers, which historically served as a crucial water source and transportation route for Beijing. It played a significant role in the development of the capital and its surrounding regions, with its management being a key part of imperial water conservancy projects for centuries. Today, it remains an important ecological corridor and water system for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area.

North Canal

The North Canal, also known as the Grand Canal of China, is the world’s longest and oldest artificial waterway. Its construction began in the 5th century BCE, with major expansions during the Sui and Yuan dynasties, primarily to transport grain and unify the empire. It stretches over 1,100 miles from Beijing to Hangzhou and remains a vital symbol of ancient Chinese engineering and economic integration.

Yuyuantan

Yuyuantan is a large public park in Beijing, China, famous for its cherry blossom festival each spring. Its history dates back over 800 years to the Jin Dynasty, when it was a lakeside garden for imperial families. Today, it is a popular recreational area centered around its expansive lake, originally formed from an old water reservoir.

Taoranting

Taoranting is a historic park in Beijing, originally constructed during the Liao Dynasty (around 10th-12th centuries) and later expanded during the Qing Dynasty. It is known for its scenic pavilions and lakes, traditionally serving as a gathering place for scholars and poets. Today, it remains a popular public park that preserves classical Chinese garden design.

Longtan

Longtan, or “Dragon Pool,” is a scenic area and historic park located in the southwestern suburbs of Beijing, China. Originally developed during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and expanded in the Qing Dynasty, it was once an imperial retreat known for its serene lakes, pavilions, and temples. Today, it is a popular public park that preserves traditional Chinese garden aesthetics and hosts cultural activities like the famous Longtan Temple Fair.